Struggling with your natural hair? Come in here.....

[USER=3639 said:
msdr[/USER];16918993]@faithVA

I used heat once right after the relaxer snafu. Other than that, no heat. I always airdry, sleep with a scarf, am careful with my collars, detangle from the bottom up, etc. I use regular combs. Haven't used a brush in quite some time actually, but it's a regular one too.

I was completely natural for the first 7 months after my BC then I put a s curl texturizer on my hair. It looked and acted the same, but I gained 'hang time' with the texturizer. I touched it up every 10 weeks or so. I cut it about 1 year later to sl, because I had lots of ssk's and a couple of mid shaft splits.

At that time I would cowash (herbal essences) and put on some type of moisture (a little conditioner left in, hawaiin silky, carefree curl, s curl, shea moisutre curl enhancing smoothie, some kinda goop I found under the counter, etc) daily or every other day for about 1.5 years. I wore my hair in a puff usually except during the winter I wore it braided underneath wigs. I shampooed once a week or so with regular shampoo. Every week I would DC with heat with Humectress and oil, cholesterol, biolage, aphogee, or mizani. I use one with protein every 2-3 weeks and use moisture the other times.

About a week after I cut it, I decided to relax it with a Revlon relaxer. FAIL. I tried to do a corrective on top of that. MAJOR FAIL. Seeing as how my hair looked and felt the same I tried to keep the same regi as before. TRIPLE FAIL. My hair was brittle, dry, and ultra dull. And it looks and feels natural still. You couldn't pay people to believe I put a relaxer on it.

I've nursed it back to just being dry, but I'm frustrated. Now I wash once a week with regular shampoo, DC overnight with cholesterol, biolage, or humectress with oil. I still alternate between protein and moisture. I put some shea moisture or care free curl on 2-3 times a week with oil. I wear it in a bun or 2 flat twists everyday. My bun is getting smaller and looks like it's on life support. And my flat twists make me look like I'm in elementary school. o_O I've had to start using gel on my edges, because they are breaking and sticking straight up.

Yes 2 full head relaxers on top of the remnants of a texturizer. I have very strong hair, but I think I may have pushed it too far. :( I'm considering chopping again and starting over.

I'm sorry that was a whole lot to. I'm just so frustrated.
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I appreciate it being long. That way I don't have to ask you 20 questions. Ok, so we know that the chemicals have caused the issue. I have no training with relaxers, so hopefully a relaxed head will help.

The one thing I didn't see you do after the relaxer is give yourself a protein treatment. And a protein with a DC is not the same as a protein treatment. I don't know if you need something like an Aphogee 2 min or an Aphogee 2 step because a relaxed head would have to help us out here. My guess would be an Aphogee 2 step or an equivalent. I'm not recommending that brand. It's just the only one I know. I know for hard core protein, there are better brands.

But you have issues with your protein and the protein treatment will help fill in those wholes which the conditioner will not. You need to get on a regular schedule of protein treatments and trims. The hair is damaged but it doesn't mean you have to cut it off.
 
faithVA said:
Welcome hairqueen7. This is a safe thread to post in :yep: A lot of friendly people here.

How long is your hair?

Maybe the shedding is just temporary.
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Thanks so much ladies well its a long story the middle and back is 8", my left side is 7.5-8" and then the front and right side is 4" I know sad only because I cut off the relaxed ends in may of this year and for the right sides it got matted from two textures and I cut it off. Basically last year in october I got a center part weave so I permed the front of my hair to achieve the style and the middle and back of my hair have been natural for over 3 years so basically I'm on a hhj n length journey ,I was the gurl who rocked different weaves styles n if a section of hair needed to b relaxed that's what I did but pretty much been natural for a while but wore weaves since 10 grade back to back n I'm now 21 so it pretty much thin and broke my hair
 
msdr said:
@faithVA

I appreciate your quick response. After the relaxer I did the Aphogee 2 minute. I also have Emergencee, but haven't used it in quite some time.

I'm not sure which of the relaxed heads to ask. Perhaps I should start my own thread instead of hijacking this one?
Click to expand...

Use the Emergencee since you have it. You aren't hijacking this thread we are glad to help. You don't need to start your own thread if you don't want. Go into one of the relaxed thread and just ask a question.

From what I have read you want to do the protein treatment every 4 to 6 weeks and trim around that schedule as well until you can get rid of much of the damage.
 
@[USER said:
hairqueen7[/USER];16919073]Thanks so much ladies well its a long story the middle and back is 8", my left side is 7.5-8" and then the front and right side is 4" I know sad only because I cut off the relaxed ends in may of this year and for the right sides it got matted from two textures and I cut it off. Basically last year in october I got a center part weave so I permed the front of my hair to achieve the style and the middle and back of my hair have been natural for over 3 years so basically I'm on a hhj n length journey ,I was the gurl who rocked different weaves styles n if a section of hair needed to b relaxed that's what I did but pretty much been natural for a while but wore weaves since 10 grade back to back n I'm now 21 so it pretty much thin and broke my hair
Click to expand...

Girl I'm giving you all kind of side eyes :lol: What you doin now? :lol:

First of all on most of your head, you have plenty of hair to do things with. My hair has never been 8" and I rocked almost every natural style.

Now the 4" is a problem but not a complete loss. I think it is more so what you are trying to do with your hair vs. what it can really do.

What type of styles are you trying to wear?

I would say you need to work on some updos to camouflage the two different lengths. No I'm not checking my spelling :lol:

You need to start practicing some natural style techniques like twist, flat twist and braids.
 
It's crazy how all of the things ibsaid ur talking about styles and its crazy because that's my biggest problem I have I'm so style challenged its ridiculous I'm on YouTube 24/7 n my hair still is pointless , so what I do every two weeks is plait my hair and put a.wig on every day until the 4" part is at least 7" that was my plan lol I know sad , but another thing is I feel like my texture is so weird I'm like a 4a/4b , but the hair that got cut from the relaxer is a 3c smh helpppppp lol
 
hairqueen7 said:
It's crazy how all of the things ibsaid ur talking about styles and its crazy because that's my biggest problem I have I'm so style challenged its ridiculous I'm on YouTube 24/7 n my hair still is pointless , so what I do every two weeks is plait my hair and put a.wig on every day until the 4" part is at least 7" that was my plan lol I know sad , but another thing is I feel like my texture is so weird I'm like a 4a/4b , but the hair that got cut from the relaxer is a 3c smh helpppppp lol
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There is nothing wrong with that plan. There is nothing wrong with growing out your hair under a wig. I wish I could do it. I just hate having things on my head.

But while you are doing that, take some time once a week and play around with flat twisting and twisting, etc. Since you are going to wig it no one will see it. But just doing it every week will give you some practice and it will slowly start to look better.

What I would do is each wash day, play around with flat twisting maybe 4 twists in the front until I felt comfortable. It wasn't very long before I could do the entire thing. I'm not the best stylist in the world but I can make it work. Honestly, some times it looks good and sometimes it doesn't.

I think you will be happier with your hair though if you have more styles you can go to vs. just having buns. One or two styles may get old.
 
I really need something to define my curls that is not a gel, and when I pick out my fro I don't want white head like I've been experiencing. A friend of mine a fellow natural recommended I use garnier fructis triple nutrition to define my curls and I ended up getting white head when I picked it out am I using too much. Any suggestions? Please help :( Also I need something that won't make my hair greasy so DH can run his hands through my hair.
 
[USER=315739 said:
lisanaturally[/USER];16919887]I really need something to define my curls that is not a gel, and when I pick out my fro I don't want white head like I've been experiencing. A friend of mine a fellow natural recommended I use garnier fructis triple nutrition to define my curls and I ended up getting white head when I picked it out am I using too much. Any suggestions? Please help :( Also I need something that won't make my hair greasy so DH can run his hands through my hair.
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It's possible that you are using too much. But I would guess your friends hair and your hair don't have the same characteristics.

It could be reacting to whatever product you used before it.

My hair flakes when a product doesn't absorb properly and is too heavy for my hair.

Some products just flake for most people. For example a lot of women have flaking if they use KCCC. It is just the nature of the product.

You can try using less but if it doesn't define the curls then it isn't any use to you. You can try switching up the products you use with it. Or you can try adding just a little bit of a ilght oil when it starts to dry to see if you can keep it from doing that.

I don't have any product recommendations though.
 
faithVA said:
It's possible that you are using too much. But I would guess your friends hair and your hair don't have the same characteristics.

It could be reacting to whatever product you used before it.

My hair flakes when a product doesn't absorb properly and is too heavy for my hair.

Some products just flake for most people. For example a lot of women have flaking if they use KCCC. It is just the nature of the product.

You can try using less but if it doesn't define the curls then it isn't any use to you. You can try switching up the products you use with it. Or you can try adding just a little bit of a ilght oil when it starts to dry to see if you can keep it from doing that.

I don't have any product recommendations though.
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Thank you faithVA it does define the curls but once I pic it out it gets kind of white, which is frustrating. I washed my hair prior to using it so my hair didn't have any product in it. I don't know maybe she has a different texture. Tomorrow I'm going to try using a little bit less I tend to be kind of heavy handed with product.
 
[USER=315739 said:
lisanaturally[/USER];16919951]Thank you @faithVA it does define the curls but once I pic it out it gets kind of white, which is frustrating. I washed my hair prior to using it so my hair didn't have any product in it. I don't know maybe she has a different texture. Tomorrow I'm going to try using a little bit less I tend to be kind of heavy handed with product.
Click to expand...

Try putting a little oil on first or last. Um, but after your hair dries why are you picking it out? I would think you need to style it before it dries and after it dries there is no touching :nono:

The product is coating your hair and then you are picking off the coating that is allowing it it to hold the style. Have you tried scrunching it with your hands instead?
 
faithVA said:
Try putting a little oil on first or last. Um, but after your hair dries why are you picking it out? I would think you need to style it before it dries and after it dries there is no touching :nono:

The product is coating your hair and then you are picking off the coating that is allowing it it to hold the style. Have you tried scrunching it with your hands instead?
Click to expand...

Well I tried something different I rinsed out the garnier and put in creme of nature leave in condish and while it was wet picked it out I'm waiting on it to dry so hopefully it turns out well. I used less product this time too. If this works I'll do this from now on. Thanks for bringing that up I didn't realize that I was picking the product out.
 
msdr said:
faithVA

I appreciate your quick response. After the relaxer I did the Aphogee 2 minute. I also have Emergencee, but haven't used it in quite some time.

I'm not sure which of the relaxed heads to ask. Perhaps I should start my own thread instead of hijacking this one?

sunnieb divachyk Nix08 Lissa0821 Solitude KiWiStyle shortdub78

Perhaps you ladies could help?
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msdr

First, I hate to hear that you are going through so much with your hair! I know the feeling...I am sending an e-hug your way!

I would suggest a hard protein treatment - Aphogee 2-step (not two minute) to help strengthen your hair and help it recover from the damage from chemicals. Be sure to follow it with a moisturizing treatment.

Next, you need to decide what you want to do with your hair next. If you want to keep with the natural route, you may have to transition again while wearing curly styles like braidouts. You will need to treat your hair like transitioning hair, including regular protein treatments.

If you want to move towards the relaxed/straight route, I would suggest seeking a professional to do your future chemical treatments and wear buns, rollersets and other low-manipulation styles.

Sent from my iPhone using LHCF
 
Also, I think something is wrong with the mentions...that is probably why the other ladies did not respond. I just happened to read this thread when I was at work earlier.

Sent from my iPhone using LHCF
 
msdr -- Sorry you're going through this! My hair is very picky (protein sensitive / low porosity) thus my suggestions vary from most.

Indirect heat may be helpful to your regi -- My hair experiences far more breakage when air dried than roller set. My hair accepts moisture better when it's straight (heat styled via roller set) vs. coarse/kinky (air dried).

I suggest you invest in better styling tools -- Using seamless combs vs. regular combs helped minimize breakage. I never brush.

CoWash -- I rarely cowash because my hair prefers limited manipulation. I shampoo or co-cleanse 1x weekly. I will cowash occasionally but don't make a habit of it.

Products -- I use quality products. Some may argue cheapie products work just as good but they didn't for my hair. Herbel Essence, Aussie Moist and things of the like did nothing for my hair. Most of the products I tried contained -cones which can impact moisture absorption.

Glycerin -- glycerin or glycerin based products should only be used in optimal weather climates or dry hair may be the end result. I have had 50/50 luck with glycerin. Some days it works excellent and others I have bone dry hair.

Protein - My hair is protein sensitive and I can go up to a 4-6 weeks without using protein. My hair doesn't require weekly reconstructors like some.

Shampoo/Co-Cleanse - maybe you need to use sulfate free which tends to be less drying. I rotate CON Argan (shampoo), Bee Mine Botanical (shampoo) and HairVeda Amala Cream Rinse (co-cleanse).

Techniques -- try baggying or GHEing to help recover your dry hair.

AOWC and AOHSR are great products for recovering dry hair. The Aubery line is a great line.

I even use AOWC as a LI. I sometimes dilute, sometimes not. I've read articles that advise against using DCner products as LIs but to date, I haven't experienced any negative effects.

Bee Mine Luscious is a great moisturizer also and is a staple.

HTH!
 
msdr
no more protein and stay away from the cholesterol conditioner. you need to use moisturizing conditioners. make sure the first 5-10 ingredients doesn't have protein in it. you may need to do a small trim, at least 1 inch for starters. wear protective styles. your hair maybe over processed, but you have done enough protein treatments. don't do another one for the next 4-6 weeks. if you want to wear twists, you may have to do smaller twists. did you relaxer your hair bone straight or is it texlaxed? you can put 6 or 8 flat twists in your hair and wear a twistout. put some rods or rollers on the ends to make the ends more curly if you need to.
 
[USER=2496 said:
shortdub78[/USER];16921763]@msdr
no more protein and stay away from the cholesterol conditioner. you need to use moisturizing conditioners. make sure the first 5-10 ingredients doesn't have protein in it. you may need to do a small trim, at least 1 inch for starters. wear protective styles. your hair maybe over processed, but you have done enough protein treatments. don't do another one for the next 4-6 weeks. if you want to wear twists, you may have to do smaller twists. did you relaxer your hair bone straight or is it texlaxed? you can put 6 or 8 flat twists in your hair and wear a twistout. put some rods or rollers on the ends to make the ends more curly if you need to.
Click to expand...

So you think the aphogee 2 min was enough protein after apply a relaxer over texturized hair and then reapplying the relaxer? Just asking.

I know she needs moisture but I'm thinking she may have created holes in her strands.

I will let you relaxed heads take over from here. :yep:
 
This is my biggest struggle right now with my hair: as soon as I put any gel on it (Eco, Kinky Curly, IC Fantasia, etc.) it turns into a white, dotty mess! Then it can take hours to go away (especially in the underlayers of my hair), so wash n gos are hard.

I'll try sealing over the gel with oil, but does anyone else have any other suggestions?

My regimen for wash n gos is to leave in my conditioner (Oyin Honey Hemp and a little Hairveda Sitrinillah usually), then apply Shea Moisture Curl Milk and spray with water. Then I seal with sunflower oil, then gel, which leads to automatic whiteness.

TIA!
 
Sorry just got this mention @msdr. I will agree with a lot of what the other relaxed heads have said. I agree that you should probably lay off the protein. Me who's bone straight tends to use a lot of protein but I've noticed among friends that those who have more texture left in their hair are more protein sensitive or just don't need that much protein.

I agree with using quality products and will always recommend AO products. I cowash regularly and air dry but again those who are texturized I find often need to use more heat (not always).

I'd start with a thorough clarifying shampoo to remove any produts that have built up which may be preventing moisture penetration. Are you planning to stay relaxed?
 
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AJellyCake said:
This is my biggest struggle right now with my hair: as soon as I put any gel on it (Eco, Kinky Curly, IC Fantasia, etc.) it turns into a white, dotty mess! Then it can take hours to go away (especially in the underlayers of my hair), so wash n gos are hard.

TIA!
Click to expand...

AJellyCake I've been having the same challenge w/ my WnG. When I was had shorter hair I used SM CES and eco styler gel w/ no white residue. Now, I can't use these two products together! I've been having sucess w/ my WnG using Giovanni DLI as my moisturizer and seal w/ EVOO. However, when I apply eco for hold it turns into a white mess. I suspect its the EVOO but I'm not quite sure since the eco is doing the same w/ SM CES. Fridays are usually my WnG days, so tomorrow I'm going to try to "shingle" the products (DLI or SM CES, EVOO, eco) into my hair to see if that makes a difference.
 
Nix08 shortdub78 divachyk sunnieb Solitude

Thank you ladies for your replies. I had my hair professionally relaxed bone straight and trimmed last night. I am satisfied with the results and the health of my hair. Actually I'm surprised that I still have hair on my head. :) I know how to take care of my hair the way it is now vs the no man's land I was in.

faithVA Thank you again for your help.
 
msdr said:
@Nix08 @shortdub78 @divachyk @sunnieb @Solitude

Thank you ladies for your replies. I had my hair professionally relaxed bone straight and trimmed last night. I am satisfied with the results and the health of my hair. Actually I'm surprised that I still have hair on my head. :) I know how to take care of my hair the way it is now vs the no man's land I was in.

@faithVA Thank you again for your help.
Click to expand...

msdr

I'm glad you found a solution that worked for you! Feel free to join us in the Relaxed Hair Threads :yep:. All of the links are in SunnieB's siggy!
 
I think all these braids/twists over the last year are finally affecting my edges. No more synthetic hair for now
 
I submitted this post in the 'TWA Support Thread'. I thought it would be helpful here as well.

Yesterday I experimented shingling for the first time. I used eco-olive oil and different leave ins. Results are as follows:

1. Giovanni DLI - shingling w/ DLI alone created great defintion and made coils pop but add the eco and it turned to a white mess then lost definition. Hair had average shrinkage.

2. SM CES - no definition when shingling alone worse when eco is added then hair turns white and looks dry. Hair had average shrinkage.

3. Paul Mitchell 'the Conditioner' - the Con provided the best coil definition of all and hair looked shinny and moist. The eco only enhanced the look and added hold. However the Con does not make my hair as soft as the DLI. The combo left a white residue but it melted away unlike the other leave ins. Hair shrunk more - I believe because it coiled up more.
*This product has silicones but water-soluble so is CG friendly.
______________

I can't believe I waited this long to try shingling. My WnG today looks so much better! Once I perfect the technique I should get better results. As far as products are concerned, I've pretty much given up on SM CES. I tried to use it several different ways and I can't make it work for me anymore. I have used 'the Con' b/4 but I've never shingled so my results were not as dramatic. Now, its my go to leave in for WnGs. I'll continue using DLI just not when doing WnGs using eco. It provides the best moisture of all the leave ins I've tried.

Hope my experiments helps.
 
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